The New York Yankees are heading into the offseason with a clear set of priorities after their playoff defeat at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays. With 2026 on the horizon, the team knows that improving its roster is essential to making a deeper run.
At the top of the list is retaining key players like Cody Bellinger, whose contributions both at the plate and in the field are vital. Beyond that, the Yankees are looking to bolster their rotation with one or two additional arms. However, a critical area of focus is their bullpen, which showed instability during the past season.
The closer role, in particular, has been in flux. Last year, Luke Weaver and David Bednar both attempted to fill the position, while Devin Williams -acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers -also saw time at the back end of the bullpen.
Now, Williams is exploring free agency, and his next move has captured the attention of one of New York’s most formidable rivals.
Dodgers eyeing Devin Williams
According to The Athletic, the Los Angeles Dodgers are actively seeking relief pitching this offseason. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes has confirmed that adding a reliever is part of the team’s plan as they aim for a potential threepeat.
Williams, a two-time All-Star, is among the targets that have drawn mutual interest. The Dodgers were previously involved in discussions to trade for Williams before the Yankees acquired him, making this a familiar opportunity for both sides.
Williams’ 2025 season with New York was a mixed bag. In 62 innings pitched, he recorded 18 saves, 15 holds, 90 strikeouts, a 1.13 WHIP, and a 4.79 ERA. While those numbers suggest inconsistency, analysts highlight his underlying skills, noting that his stuff remains elite and he could thrive in the right environment.
Other teams, such as the San Francisco Giants, have also been mentioned as potential suitors given their bullpen needs.
The free-agent market this winter is crowded with high-end relievers. Edwin Díaz, coming off a dominant season with the New York Mets, boasts 28 saves, 98 strikeouts, a 0.87 WHIP, and a 1.63 ERA in 66 1/3 innings.
Meanwhile, Pete Fairbanks, who became a free agent after the Tampa Bay Rays declined his $11 million option, has attracted attention from multiple teams, including the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. He finished 2025 with 27 saves, 59 strikeouts, a 1.04 WHIP, and a 2.83 ERA in 60 1/3 innings.
For the Yankees, Williams’ departure, or even the possibility of losing him, underscores the importance of shoring up the bullpen. The team will need to evaluate its options carefully, deciding whether to pursue a high-profile free agent like Díaz or Fairbanks, or to develop internal candidates for the closer role.
One way or another, the upcoming months promise a high-stakes offseason, with both the Yankees and Dodgers making moves that could shape the league’s power dynamics for 2026.
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